[NFB-NM] interesting research snippet on the White Cane

[Tonia Trapp]

In honor of White Cane Safety Day tomorrow, Melanie Redhouse writes:

Below you will find a paragraph I wrote from my final paper in the Fall of 2024, which I thought was interesting to share:

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The stick to assist a blind individual dates back as far back as biblical times, with the variation in changes until it was universally accepted after many trials and different individuals going through different obstacles. “biblical times records show that a shepherd's staff was used  as a tool for solitary travel. The blind used such tools to alert them to obstacles in their path.  For centuries, the "cane" was used merely as a tool for travel and it was not until the twentieth  century that the cane, as we know it today, was promoted for use by the blind as a symbol  to alert others to the fact that an individual was blind. This new role for the white cane had its origins in the decades between the two World Wars, beginning in Europe and then spreading to North America. James Biggs of Bristol claimed to have invented the white cane in 1921. After an accident claimed his sight, the artist had to  readjust to his environment. Feeling threatened by increased motor vehicle traffic around his  home, Biggs decided to paint his walking stick white to make himself more visible to motorists.  It was not until ten years later that the white cane established its presence in society (Strong 2009).” Without the white cane, individuals with blindness or low vision, would not be able to move around independently.

Researched By: Melanie Redhouse (Dec. 2024)


Citation:
Strong, P. (2009). The history of the white cane. Tennessee Counc. Blind.

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Melanie Redhouse

NFBNM San Juan Chapter President

Phone: (505)419-7168

Email: nfbsanjuanpresident at gmail.com<mailto:nfbsanjuanpresident at gmail.com>

The National Federation of the Blind

Website: www.nfb.org<http://www.nfb.org>

Live the Life You Want!

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